Numismatic

1895-S Barber Half Dollar VG

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The 1895 half dollar from the San Francisco Mint represents a fascinating era of late nineteenth century United States silver coinage. Struck with a ninety percent silver purity, this fifty cent piece contains 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal. Its worn surfaces tell the story of a coin that actively circulated through the hands of the public, surviving to the present day in a certified Very Good condition. Designed by Charles Barber, the obverse of the coin showcases a proud profile of Lady Liberty. She wears a traditional Phrygian cap and a laurel wreath upon her head. On a coin in this grade, the word Liberty remains partially visible on her crown, framed by a complete outer rim. The date 1895 is stamped clearly below her portrait, while the motto IN GOD WE TRUST arches above. Turning the coin over reveals an intricate reverse design centered on a heraldic eagle. The eagle stands with wings spread wide, protecting a shield across its chest. In its beak, the bird supports a ribbon inscribed with E PLURIBUS UNUM, while its talons grasp a symbolic olive branch and a cluster of arrows. The mint mark S is positioned at the bottom, indicating its origin at the San Francisco Mint, nestled between the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR.